“When the going is easy the wind is at your back, push hard; when the going gets tough, push harder.”
If you have been a regular reader of my 100 Pedals posts, this quote is probably familiar to you. I have relied on this one a few times. I come back to this quote many times because it is a great reminder that the difference between success and almost is how we respond to adversity. It is in the midst of difficulty that many of us struggle to keep our momentum or simply keep moving. Yet, it is in these difficult times that moving forward is the most important thing we can do. Once we lose our momentum, it is easier to slip into that rut, than fight our way out. The secret — don’t lose momentum!
I have had several conversations lately where the people I have been talking with recognize they allowed something to interrupt their momentum. In each one of these situations, something happened that caused them to lose focus, then confidence, and then progress. Once they lost progress, they stopped moving and once they stopped moving, they discovered whatever they were aiming for now got a little farther away. Discouraged, they simply gave up for the time being.
When things are going well, it is way to easy to get comfortable with your progress. When things are going well, one great day is followed by another. Good news is followed by better news and many little accomplishments start to add up to giant leaps forward. It is easy to build on and maintain momentum in good times.
Then, as is expected and predictable in life, something doesn’t go as planned. All of a sudden there is controversy, conflict, a less than positive event, or even a nagging cold. Next thing you know, you aren’t feeling as good, confident, productive or successful. And, it seems nearly impossible to even think about making progress. You are simply trying to get through the next day. It is then that adversity makes any effort nearly impossible and you are distracted by the conflict.
When you face an uphill battle and the wind is directly in your face it is never more important or critical to push than at that very moment. If you had to focus on one thing and one thing only, the most important thing to focus on is what is most important to your long-term vision and dream. Even though everything is falling down around you and you are being distracted by these potential negative influences, nothing is more important and more essential than your mission — nothing!
Next time you find yourself in a rut, the only way to dig out of it is to get busy and start moving forward. Anything else will cost you time, energy, momentum and confidence. Nothing is more challenging or difficult than pushing through the hard days. Yet, nothing is more fulfilling or energizing when you realize how much you accomplished in the face of adversity. It is there that you discover how much you can truly accomplish even in the most trying of times. It is there you prepare yourself for the next time it happens – for it will. And, it is in those moments that you realize what a powerful force you can be when you have your vision, keep your focus and maintain your momentum.
When things are easy, anyone can be successful. It is in the face of adversity where those who are focused and determined are separated from the dreamers and become doers. Stay focused, keep moving, and don’t let anything distract you or interrupt your progress and accomplishments.
Last week I was sharing with a good friend the challenges I faced through Brandon’s behaviors, experiences, and journey. At one point she commented on my ability to stay focused and keep moving despite the painful distractions these events created. What I shared with her was one of the four powerful lessons of 100 Pedals – embracing responsibility. Despite what has happened or what I experience in my life, it is not my attitude that keeps me moving; but, my responsibility for making my unique gifts constantly available to others.
When younger, I used to get quite a kick out of the hamster in the cage—not that I had one. One moment the hamster would be simply chilling around in his cage, taking the occasional drink from his water bottle. And the next, he would be on his wheel with all levels of energy. When the hamster would get going on that wheel, there was a lot of action and effort; that wheel would fly and the cage would even sometime buzz with the force. Even though he wasn’t really going anywhere, it certainly looked like he was trying his best to believe he was.
Remember the last time you got lost? If you stopped to ask directions, you would likely find someone who knew how to direct you where to go from your location at that time.
Sometimes we find ourselves standing at the starting line, not able to move because we are not sure this is the right thing to do. What inspired us to step up to the starting line in the first place – a desire for change, our displeasure with where we are, the need for a new direction – may not be enough to push us forward. For many of us there is that lingering doubt — is this a good idea, is this the answer, will this be the answer – that keeps us frozen in place in the hopes of a clear cut answer before we move forward. When it comes to life and change, there are no clear cut answers, no guarantees, and no easy actions.
One of my bigger struggles is getting out of my own way. Many people struggle with the notion that their situation is what it is, they are limited in what they can and cannot do, and that they would love to change their life if only they could – except there is something that we just don’t understand that makes their situation unique. Truth is they have embraced their perception of reality to the point where the only thing in their way is them.
I have never been one to get caught up in all the New Year’s resolution hoopla. I have always embraced the desire to change, improve, amend or adjust my life at the time I am aware of it not simply because it is a new year. As such, I have generally avoided the discussion of any type of resolutions.
The holiday season provides us with so many emotions. There is the joy and celebration of the season. Looking back at the year that was. Looking forward to the year that will be. Showing gratitude and love to friends and family for their part in our lives. Sharing gifts of various sorts and sizes to those in need or simply because.
The hustle and bustle of the Christmas season that certainly stresses out most people.
By nature, we are social creatures. Some of us are more social than others. Regardless of the level of our social proclivities, we are all naturally inclined to surround ourselves with family, friends, others that we simply feel safe and comfortable with. Because we have a tendency to leverage our social resources for security, advice, comfort, love, and affirmation, it is only natural for us to rely on others as we go through our challenges and our struggles.
leader to an iconic legacy.
Risk is that fear driven assessment that defines the potential outcome of our future actions before we engage. When life is going great, our tolerance for certain types of risk is very high – we don’t worry as much about failure because there is so much good going on around, recovery is likely. When life is going bad and there is no momentum our tolerance for risk is very low – after all, the last thing needed in our life right now is another problem.
When I look at this picture, the euphoria of accomplishment is everywhere. Anyone who has successfully crossed the finish line relating to a challenging goal, a tremendous accomplishment, or a difficult, rewarding journey knows what it is like to have the moment of reflective celebration and joy. It is the combination of a victorious exhale, a smile, and a inner feeling of peace, joy, and fulfillment. And, nothing replaces that inner peace that, while fleeting, goes with the success of accomplishment.
When I speak with people about my experiences, particularly in relation to the lessons learned in 100 Pedals, one of my biggest learning experiences was discovering how to clearly focus on what it is most important.
I have been sharing my thoughts on 100 Pedals for nearly ten months now. There are several messages and beliefs that I have consistently and, hopefully, clearly shared with you. The theme of my messages is that we all have been blessed with a unique set of gifts and talents that others are looking for and need. And, by leveraging, believing in, and sharing our gifts we are in a position to have a significant impact on our lives and the lives of others. While we may not yet clearly know or understand what those special skills and abilities are, we do have an obligation to try to discover what they are by getting connected and being engaged in doing something. For, it is in the action phase we will become more aware of what truly inspires and energizes us and will expose us to that which we were called to do.
A few weeks ago I had a great conversation with someone who asked me how I was able to turn the switch off in my head. Their challenge, primarily as it related to their work, was they found themselves constantly churning thoughts in their head about all the things they need to do, should do, have to do, etc. The result of all this perpetual, non-stop thought is exhaustion. They were trying to understand how I managed the challenges of running my business and all the pressures I face on a regular basis without letting this head chatter devour me.
Over the past few weeks, I have started to reflect on the lessons and experiences from this past year. I have learned a great, accomplished even more, and I have enjoyed sharing and celebrating everything about 100 Pedals. Originally, I believed that the lessons learned in 100 Pedals were all about accomplishment and goal setting, etc. And, in many cases the by product of these lessons has provided me a stronger platform from which I can establish and achieve incredible outcomes. However, there is more to the 100 Pedals experience that simply setting and achieving goals.
I recently read a 
